The real cost of a political guest

MARTIN CULLEN’S recent use of an army helicopter to attend a private function raises the appropriateness of the taxpayer paying the costs of politicians attending private functions.

Mr Cullen isn’t alone as of course Mary Harney infamously used a marine patrol aircraft to attend the opening of an off-licence in Manorhamilton some years back.

If an organisation invites a sports star or other celebrity to cut a ribbon or give a speech, an appearance fee is expected to pay for the celebrity’s time and expenses, or alternatively a donation is made to the celebrity’s favourite charity. But if that celebrity is a politician, there is no question of a contribution being made to cover the politician’s time and expenses, nor does any charity benefit from the appearance.